Medal Bar of Pilot Officer Noel John Victor Benson

Noel Benson’s short career as a pilot in the RAF ended when he was shot down by a Messerschmitt Me 109 over Kent in August 1940, just a day after his squadron, No. 303, was relocated to Hornchurch.

Benson entered RAF College Cranwell in 1938 as a Flight Cadet and was enlisted into the RAF at the beginning of the Second World War. He served with Nos. 145 and 303 Squadrons, first flying Bristol Blenheims and then Spitfires. Medals, from left to right: 1939–1945 Star with Battle of Britain clasp, Air Crew Europe Star, War Medal 1939–1945.